Daniel Chung

Daniel Chung has over twenty years of wide-ranging experience working with people in all stages of life. He is passionate about helping couples and families by coming alongside them, listening with empathy, helping to make sense of their concerns and needs, and providing vital tools to grow and thrive together in life. Daniel focuses on providing a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free space that enables clients to heal and positively progress toward lasting, satisfying, and harmonious relationships. He believes in holistic healing toward emotional, spiritual, and relational wellness that activates the mind, body, and spirit, and nurtures deeper self-realization, purposeful living, and healthier relationships. His background includes the following: - earlier career in the hospitality and semiconductor industries - work in non-profit organizations for over 25 years including urban youth, churches, and schools - education in psychology, theology, and spirituality at the Master & Doctoral levels - an adjunct graduate school professor teaching courses on the integration of psychology and spirituality - joyfully married for 20 years, with a relationship that's grown stronger through dedication and mutual support, and a proud father to my young adult daughter Daniel’s therapeutic approach is trauma-informed to support clients in their process of healing, and client-centered to create a working alliance with empathy, acceptance, openness, and flexibility. Daniel has worked with people of diverse cultures and ethnicities and has the ability to relate to clients with authenticity, compassion, humility, and sensitivity. Couples Counseling: Daniel’s approach to couples counseling is rooted in his belief that every relationship has the potential for a fulfilling “us-ness” that honors both connection and individuality. Drawing on his extensive background in psychology, spirituality, and personal experience, Daniel fosters a therapeutic space where couples can explore their unique dynamics and build a resilient, connected relationship that celebrates both partners’ strengths and personal needs. 1. Building Healthy “Us-ness” Daniel views “us-ness” as more than partnership; it’s a shared identity that grows from mutual support, understanding, and intentional care. In this journey, he encourages couples to explore what “us-ness” means within their relationship by: - Clarifying shared values that will guide their partnership and align with long-term goals. - Celebrating individual strengths and showing how they complement each other, which fosters appreciation and deepens connection. Creating “us-ness” also involves balancing togetherness and individuality. Daniel guides couples in ways to navigate these boundaries so they can express themselves authentically without compromising connection. With his support, couples learn: - To respect each other’s personal growth while maintaining a united partnership. - Practical communication strategies that support both self-expression and mutual understanding. 2. Understanding the Pain and Peace Cycles Daniel teaches couples to recognize and interrupt destructive relational cycles, especially the Pain Cycle, where unresolved patterns of hurt and misunderstanding can lead to ongoing conflict. Through his guidance, couples learn to: - Identify specific triggers that contribute to these patterns and work together to transform pain into empathy. - Develop tools for stepping outside of reactive cycles, encouraging a mindset of healing and openness. The Peace Cycle is a cornerstone of Daniel’s approach, allowing couples to rebuild trust, safety, and connection. He helps couples foster compassionate communication, emphasizing: - New habits for positive interaction that are grounded in mutual respect. - Strategies to make each partner feel valued, building a foundation for a resilient, supportive relationship. 3. Growth through Vulnerability and Collaboration Daniel’s trauma-informed approach offers a safe, judgment-free space where couples can express their feelings and needs without criticism. Vulnerability deepens intimacy, and he helps couples cultivate it by: - Encouraging open and honest expression to build a culture of understanding within the relationship. - Practicing empathetic listening to gain deeper insights into each other’s perspectives and emotional worlds. Collaboration with Daniel goes beyond simply working through issues; it’s about empowering both partners to contribute to the relationship’s success. In their work with him, couples are encouraged to: - Set shared goals and actively support each other’s growth, making counseling a joint effort. - Embrace honesty and teamwork, which strengthens their connection and equips them with the skills needed to create a purposeful, enduring relationship.